r/CMA

I have been studying (sparingly) for part 1 over the past 4 months. I’m a senior accountant, between close and longer days I’ve found myself having trouble sitting down to study. Getting the license has always been a goal of mine, but ive found it extremely difficult and challenging to sit down after working a 9-10 hour day. Any advice for a situation like this?

I've, finally, decided to take CMA, and would like to hear from those who already studied, or currently studying CMA, what is the best CMA study Materials you tried, and why? (Gleim, UWorld, Becker, or Hock)?

I’m not posting this because I need motivation to start studying—I’m already studying. I’m not trying to make excuses for the time I’ve lost either. I’m just genuinely overwhelmed by how much I still need to understand.

After finishing my B.Com, I took a one-year break before starting CMA. So when I joined my CMA coaching centre, I was already quite disconnected from what I had studied during my degree.

My coaching centre actually taught Part 2 first. At that time, everything was completely unfamiliar to me, and honestly, I didn’t really understand or properly study those classes.

Then we moved on to Part 1. By then, I had already gone through the CMA classes, so when I started preparing for Part 1, the concepts were much more familiar to me. I followed the classes, watched a lot of revision classes, revised my notes and practiced MCQs, and eventually sat for the exam.

I fought really hard for Part 1, and thankfully, I passed. ❤️

But after the Part 1 exam, I had to wait almost a month for my result. That waiting period affected me more than I expected. I was so anxious about the result that I couldn’t properly start Part 2. I couldn’t even get myself to attend the revision classes or sit down and study properly.

So that month basically went by without me making much progress on Part 2.

I finally started seriously studying Part 2 on August 1, and honestly, it’s been a mixed experience so far.

Section A — Financial Statement Analysis was actually going okay for me. The ratios and formulas were manageable, and I felt like I could follow what I was studying.

Then I started Section B — Corporate Finance… and that’s where everything went downhill. 😭

I’ve been spending so much time on it, but I honestly feel like I’m getting nowhere. I’ll study for an hour or two, and then my brain just stops cooperating. I get sleepy, lose focus, and start feeling like I’m not actually understanding anything.

And the worst part is that I know Corporate Finance is an important section with so many topics, so I can’t just ignore it.

My exam is scheduled for October 23, and with around 66 days left, seeing the days pass is honestly starting to scare me.

For Part 1, I eventually found a method that worked for me: revision classes → revise notes → practice questions. So I’m trying to follow the same basic approach for Part 2 and see if I can make it work again.

I don’t know if I need to completely change my study method or if I just need more time to rebuild the concepts. Right now, I honestly don’t know.

So, especially to those who have already passed Part 2:

How did you approach your preparation? What did your study routine look like? How did you handle the sections you struggled with, especially Corporate Finance?

And for those writing Part 2 in the upcoming window, how is your preparation going?

I’d really like to hear how you guys approached it, because right now I’m trying to figure out what works best for me.

Hey everyone,

Looking for some perspective from people further along the finance ladder.

Quick background:

• Senior Financial Analyst with about 8 years in corporate finance (BSBA + MBA in Finance).
• Report directly to our CFO. Heavy involvement in strategic/5-year planning and system rollouts; expecting a bump to FP&A Manager early next year.
• Ultimate goal is the CFO seat. The path at my current org is a little unclear but i assume it will be something like this (FP&A Mgr -> Director -> VP -> CFO), my manager followed similar but more acc focused (Controller -> VP of Finance -> CFO)

The issue:

My biggest weak spot is hands-on accounting. I don’t do accounting day-to-day, but I’m constantly dealing with GL hierarchies, payment flows, chart of accounts setup, and close-related issues. Because I never worked in pure accounting, I feel a step behind in those conversations with our accounting team and the current controller. I also worry that maybe not understanding this stuff could hurt me long term in promotion potential (though i am learning i am hoping to expedite the learning process).

My thought process:

I’m considering studying for the CMA. I thought about just taking a couple of accounting classes, but if I’m putting in the hours, having an actual credential feels a lot more useful on a resume long-term. I have pondered the thought of a CPA but I am not sure I want to commit to studying for that yet. however, maybe after the CMA it would be easier? idk

Any thoughts?

I have cleared the part 1 this attempt. Will appear for part 2 this october but my becker's license is expiring in 7 days can anyone help me out or some have additional license please dm me. I am short on funds these days i have been a dumbperson with my finances for past few month any or anything i can refer which will make my part 2 journey smooth..

Thanks

Hi,

I’m in the middle of studying for my CMA. I am using gleim, and my total study time will be 6 weeks from when i started to when ill be taking the exam. I’m currently panicking and wondering if thats even enough time to study. I originally was supposed to take it june but moved it to september. I don’t want to pay again and move it to feb just cuz I’m panicking. I’m an accounting student in my last semester of college and I’m just really scared to fail. If anyone passed and has the same bg as me, how long did you study for? Seeing people study for 2-3+ months is rly scaring me. lol.

Hi everyone,

I recently started my US CMA journey and joined an offline institute in my city. At the time of admission, they promised to provide Hock study material along with their own study material.

After paying the fees, I found out they don't provide any e-books or hard copies. They only share PDF summary notes of what is taught in class. They also promised Hock access, but they're ignoring my messages whenever I ask about it.

The faculty teaches well, and I don't think they're a fraud—they've been teaching CA/CS for 33 years, but they started the US CMA program with this year. My only concern is whether their summary notes are enough for the exam.

I'm still trying to resolve this with them, but I don't want it to affect my studies. If anyone knows of any free US CMA study material, notes, or YouTube playlists, I'd really appreciate your help.

Thank you!

Dear all,

Posting here wondering if anyone facing the same issue.

Per CMA website, Entrance fee has validity period of 3 years. I have paid this fee together with Part 2 exam fee in 2025.

Membership validity

This year I just failed P1 exam (10 pts short 😢 ), however when trying to purchasing a slot in Sep/ Oct window, it won't allow for checkout unless "Entrance Fee" is in cart together with exam participation fee.

Entrance + Exam fees: can proceed to \"Place your order\"

Exam fee only: cannot proceed the payment

Can anyone have an idea whether this is intended? I have emailed for support but no response yet.

Hey everyone, I wanted to know if this is right decision of me to go for US cma ? So some thing about my background, I'm a graduate and have done with multiple attempts of indian cma , I couldn't clear the inter level of that. Now I'm doing a job in finance sector and really want to gain a recognised certification. So US cma is the option I am seeing, is it easier that indian one and can I do this while having a job or do I need to take external coaching for this ? Pls help me out.

’m currently building my accounting foundation and I’m confused about whether I should pursue the CMA or CPA afterward.
My interest is mainly in corporate finance inside a manufacturing company, especially budgeting, costing, FP&A, profitability, operations finance, and eventually moving into finance management/leadership.
From what I understand:
CPA seems stronger for accounting, financial reporting, audit, tax, and controllership.

CMA seems stronger for costing, budgeting, FP&A, performance management, and business decision-making.

However, I keep seeing many CFOs and senior finance professionals with CPA backgrounds, which makes me question whether CMA is the better choice.
For people who have worked in industry/manufacturing:
Which would you choose and why? Does CMA have the same career value as CPA for someone who does not want to work in public accounting/audit?

Please share your story, if any. I need some motivation and guidance, i have been applying for jobs non-stop, tried everything and I'm not able to find any.

P.s- i am a fresher

I just passed part one with a score of 410. I really need to finish part two and I only have one month to study.

Is this feasible? I’m gonna be moving countries soon and I don’t think I would have enough time to study once I move.

for context, I graduated uni in accounting 6 months back

Hi everyone,

I recently started preparing for US CMA Part 2, and I'm looking for a study buddy so we can stay consistent, motivate each other, and crack the exam together.

I've only been studying for 2–3 days, so I have almost zero knowledge of Part 2. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of joining a coaching institute that hasn't delivered what they promised. They assured me I'd get Hock study material, but it's been over a week and I still haven't received access. After constantly following up and arguing with them, I've realized nothing is going to change.

So now I'm looking for someone who's genuinely interested in studying together. If you're comfortable answering my beginner questions, sharing knowledge or study resources, and keeping each other accountable, I'd really appreciate it. In return, I'll do my best to support you as well.

If you'd like to be my study partner, leave a comment or DM me directly.

I'd truly appreciate your help and effort. 🙌

Guysss I'm starting my part1 I need an overview or summary? On how to study for part1 (I've cleared part2)

Please someone who has recently finished dm me on which section to do first and which to last

Heyy!!My CMA entrance fee was paid Oct 2023, so my 3-year program window is closing soon. I passed Part 2 in June 2026 but still have Part 1 left. Membership expires this Sept. Do anyone know if there’s any way to extend the 3-year window or protect my Part 2 score if I can’t finish Part 1 in time?
Would be really helpful if anyone could respond on this🙌🏻

i have decided to start my prep for cma, is there someone who could help me with study materials preferably Hock or becker

Heyy anyone who passed from simandhar education? How is placement things works? Like do they help or its not worth?

How do you all study without getting completely bored out of your mind after about 10min? I’ve probably started and stopped studying 10 times.

I have Becker and have tried every method I can think of. Watch the videos first at different speeds, reading the text first, go to the questions first, and combinations of all three. I‘m interested in learning the information, but to me, the presentation of the information is terrible.